American Western actor James Drury, who is best known for his lead role in the long-running Western TV series “The Virginian,” died Monday at his home in Houston at the age of 85.
Karen Lindsey, Drury’s assistant, said the actor passed away from natural causes in a statement on Drury’s official Facebook page, adding a picture from the actor.
“THE COWBOY took his last ride,” Lindsey wrote in the statement. “It is with immense sadness that I let you all know that James Drury, our beloved Virginian and dear friend passed away.”
“He will be missed so much. It is beyond words,” she added.
Lindsey added in the statement that Drury’s memorial services were “to be determined later.”
Drury was born and raised in New York City on April 18, 1934. He spent much of his childhood at his mother’s ranch in Oregon. This is where Drury developed a passion and love for horses and outdoor life and also learned how to shoot.
His professional acting career began as early when he was just 12 years old in a touring performance of “Life With Father.”
He left his studies at New York University after signing a contract in 1954 to start acting in films at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM).
“I played 12 of the major roles in Shakespeare before I was 20 years old,” he told the Knoxville News-Sentinel. “I got to Hollywood expecting to be somewhat of a classical actor, but they put a gun in my hand and said, ‘Get on that horse, and don’t get off.'”
Apart from his role in the Western series “The Virginian,” Drury also starred in the ABC series “Firehouse” and appeared on series “Alias Smith and Jones,” “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.,” “The Fall Guy,” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
Drury also appeared in many movies such as “Blackboard Jungle,” “The Tender Trap,” Elvis Presley’s movie debut, “Love Me Tender,” “The Last Wagon,” “Ride the High Country.” In all, the actor holds more than 73 different acting credits to his name.
Drury is survived by his sons Timothy Drury and James Drury Jr. and their wives, two stepchildren, four grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
His wife Carl Ann died in August last year. They were married for 40 years.